Influence of miniscrew dental root proximity on its degree of late stability

Purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of miniscrew dental root proximity on its late stability degree. 40 miniscrews were inserted between maxillary second premolars and first molars for anterior retraction. Post-surgical radiographs were used to measure the septum width in the insertion site, insertion height, distal and mesial distance from miniscrew to dental root, and the smallest distance between miniscrew and dental root. The miniscrews were divided in two groups according to septum width: ?3 mm (20 miniscrews) and >3 mm (20 miniscrews). The soft tissue in the insertion site, sensitivity during load, plaque around the miniscrew, and evaluation period were also considered. The results showed no significant difference in miniscrew mobility degree and success rate between groups. Miniscrew dental root proximity did not influence the stability and success rate when the distance between the miniscrew and dental root indicated no periodontal ligament invasion. The overall success rate was 90% and no variable was associated with miniscrew failure. Nevertheless, patient sensitivity was frequently associated with some degree of mini-implant mobility. The septum width did not influence the stability and success rate of this anchorage system, but the extreme root proximity did.

Degree of multicollinearity and variables involved in linear dependence in additive-dominant models

The objective of this work was to assess the degree of multicollinearity and to identify the variables involved in linear dependence relations in additive-dominant models. Data of birth weight (n=141,567), yearling weight (n=58,124), and scrotal circumference (n=20,371) of Montana Tropical composite cattle were used. Diagnosis of multicollinearity was based on the variance inflation factor (VIF) and on the evaluation of the condition indexes and eigenvalues from the correlation matrix among explanatory variables. The first model studied (RM) included the fixed effect of dam age class at calving and the covariates associated to the direct and maternal additive and non-additive effects. The second model (R) included all the effects of the RM model except the maternal additive effects. Multicollinearity was detected in both models for all traits considered, with VIF values of 1.03 - 70.20 for RM and 1.03 - 60.70 for R. Collinearity increased with the increase of variables in the model and the decrease in the number of observations, and it was classified as weak, with condition index values between 10.00 and 26.77. In general, the variables associated with additive and non-additive effects were involved in multicollinearity, partially due to the natural connection between these covariables as fractions of the biological types in breed composition.

Metabolism of plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein parameters are related to a higher degree of insulin sensitivity in high HDL-C healthy normal weight subjects

Abstract Background We have searched if plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration interferes simultaneously with whole-body cholesterol metabolism and insulin sensitivity in normal weight healthy adult subjects. Methods We have measured the activities of several plasma components that are critically influenced by insulin and that control lipoprotein metabolism in subjects with low and high HDL-C concentrations. These parameters included cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT), post-heparin lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic lipase (HL), pre-beta-1HDL, and plasma sterol markers of cholesterol synthesis and intestinal absorption. Results In the high-HDL-C group, we found lower plasma concentrations of triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, insulin, HOMA-IR index, activities of LCAT and HL compared with the low HDL-C group; additionally, we found higher activity of LPL and pre-beta-1HDL concentration in the high-HDL-C group. There were no differences in the plasma CETP and PLTP activities. Conclusions These findings indicate that in healthy hyperalphalipoproteinemia subjects, several parameters that control the metabolism of plasma cholesterol and lipoproteins are related to a higher degree of insulin sensitivity.

Factor Xa activation of factor V is of paramount importance in initiating the coagulation system: lessons from a tick salivary protein

BACKGROUND: Generation of active procoagulant cofactor factor Va (FVa) and its subsequent association with the enzyme activated factor X (FXa) to form the prothrombinase complex is a pivotal initial event in blood coagulation and has been the subject of investigative effort, speculation, and controversy. The current paradigm assumes that FV activation is initiated by limited proteolysis by traces of (meizo) thrombin. METHODS AND RESULTS: Recombinant tick salivary protein TIX-5 was produced and anticoagulant properties were studied with the use of plasma, whole blood, and purified systems. Here, we report that TIX-5 specifically inhibits FXa-mediated FV activation involving the B domain of FV and show that FXa activation of FV is pivotal for plasma and blood clotting. Accordingly, tick feeding is impaired on TIX-5 immune rabbits, displaying the in vivo importance of TIX-5. CONCLUSIONS: Our data elucidate a unique molecular mechanism by which ticks inhibit the host's coagulation system. From our data, we propose a revised blood coagulation scheme in which direct FXa-mediated FV activation occurs in the initiation phase during which thrombin-mediated FV activation is restrained by fibrinogen and inhibitors.

Two-degree-of-freedom vortex-induced vibration of circular cylinders with very low aspect ratio and small mass ratio

The investigation of vortex-induced vibration on very short cylinders with two degrees of freedom has drawn the attention of a large number of researchers. Some investigations on such a problem are carried out in order to have a better understanding of the physics involved in vortex-induced motions of floating bodies such as offshore platforms. In this paper, experiments were carried out in a recirculating water channel over the range of Reynolds number 6000of cylinders with two degrees of freedom, three different small mass ratios (m⁎=1.00; 2.62 and 4.36) and very low aspect ratios (0.3≤L/D≤2.0) were shown and the results were discussed in depth. Conversely to what would be expected for cylinders with very low aspect ratio, the results showed large motions in the transverse direction with maximum amplitudes around 1.5 diameters for cylinders with L/D=2.0, despite being smaller when the aspect ratio is reduced. Moreover, the response amplitudes presented high values around 0.4 diameters in the in-line direction. In fact, the large transverse motions were related to a strong coupling with the in-line responses, visibly identified in the plots of nondimensional frequency, as well as by the trajectories in the XY-plane, Lissajous figures, particularly in the case of m⁎=1.00 and L/D=2.0, when 8-shape trajectories were clearly observed. The case of m⁎=1.00 deserves more attention because of its smaller amplitude compared to the cases with the same aspect ratio and a larger mass ratio. This counter-intuitive behavior seems to be related to the energy transferring process from the steady stream to the oscillatory hydroelastic system. Finally, it is noteworthy that the characteristic of the “Strouhal-like” number decreases when the aspect ratio decreases, as also observed in previous works available in the literature, most of them for stationary cylinders.

Two-degree-of-freedom vortex-induced vibration of circular cylinders with very low aspect ratio and small mass ratio

The investigation of vortex-induced vibration on very short cylinders with two degrees of freedom has drawn the attention of a large number of researchers. Some investigations on such a problem are carried out in order to have a better understanding of the physics involved in vortex-induced motions of floating bodies such as offshore platforms. In this paper, experiments were carried out in a recirculating water channel over the range of Reynolds number 6000of cylinders with two degrees of freedom, three different small mass ratios (m⁎=1.00; 2.62 and 4.36) and very low aspect ratios (0.3≤L/D≤2.0) were shown and the results were discussed in depth. Conversely to what would be expected for cylinders with very low aspect ratio, the results showed large motions in the transverse direction with maximum amplitudes around 1.5 diameters for cylinders with L/D=2.0, despite being smaller when the aspect ratio is reduced. Moreover, the response amplitudes presented high values around 0.4 diameters in the in-line direction. In fact, the large transverse motions were related to a strong coupling with the in-line responses, visibly identified in the plots of nondimensional frequency, as well as by the trajectories in the XY-plane, Lissajous figures, particularly in the case of m⁎=1.00 and L/D=2.0, when 8-shape trajectories were clearly observed. The case of m⁎=1.00 deserves more attention because of its smaller amplitude compared to the cases with the same aspect ratio and a larger mass ratio. This counter-intuitive behavior seems to be related to the energy transferring process from the steady stream to the oscillatory hydroelastic system. Finally, it is noteworthy that the characteristic of the “Strouhal-like” number decreases when the aspect ratio decreases, as also observed in previous works available in the literature, most of them for stationary cylinders.

Determination of degree of ionization of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly[1-[4-(3-carboxy‑4 hydroxyphenylazo)benzene sulfonamido]-1,2-ethanediyl, sodium salt] (PAZO) in layer-by-layer films using vacuum photoabsorption spectroscopy

Electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions govern most of the properties of supramolecular systems, which is the reason determining the degree of ionization of macromolecules has become crucial for many applications. In this paper, we show that highresolution ultraviolet spectroscopy (VUV) can be used to determine the degree of ionization and its effect on the electronic excitation energies of layer-by-layer (LbL) films of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly[1-[4-(3-carboxy-4 hydroxyphenylazo)- benzene sulfonamido]-1,2-ethanediyl, sodium salt] (PAZO). A full assignment of the VUV peaks of these polyelectrolytes in solution and in cast or LbL films could be made, with their pH dependence allowing us to determine the p'K IND. a' using the Henderson-Hasselbach equation. The p'K IND. a' for PAZO increased from ca. 6 in solution to ca. 7.3 in LbL films owing to the charge transfer from PAH. Significantly, even using solutions at a fixed pH for PAH, the amount adsorbed on the LbL films still varied with the pH of the PAZO solutions due to these molecular-level interactions. Therefore, the procedure based on a comparison of VUV spectra from solutions and films obtained under distinct conditions is useful to determine the degree of dissociation of macromolecules, in addition to permitting interrogation of interface effects in multilayer films.

Evaluation of degree of conversion and hardness of dental composites photo-activated with different light guide tips

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion and hardness of different composite resins, photo-activated for 40 s with two different light guide tips, fiber optic and polymer. Methods: Five specimens were made for each group evaluated. The percentage of unreacted carbon double bonds (% C=C) was determined from the ratio of absorbance intensities of aliphatic C=C (peak at 1637 cm-1) against internal standard before and after curing of the specimen: aromatic C-C (peak at 1610 cm-1). The Vickers hardness measurements were performed in a universal testing machine. A 50 gf load was used and the indenter with a dwell time of 30 seconds. The degree of conversion and hardness mean values were analyzed separately by ANOVA and Tukey's test, with a significance level set at 5%. Results: The mean values of degree of conversion for the polymer and fiber optic light guide tip were statistically different (P<.001). The hardness mean values were statistically different among the light guide tips (P<.001), but also there was difference between top and bottom surfaces (P<.001). Conclusions: The results showed that the resins photo-activated with the fiber optic light guide tip promoted higher values for degree of conversion and hardness.

Morphodynamics of structurally controlled headland-bay beaches in southeastern Brazil: A review

This paper presents a comprehensive review on the interaction between hydrodynamic processes, beach morphology and sedimentology at large scale coastal behaviour along the coastline of Santa Catarina, between Laguna and Sao Francisco Island, a microtidal east coast swell environment with headland and bay geomorphologies. The parabolic bay shape equation has proven to be a convenient and practical tool for studying the stability of the headland-bay beaches, tombolos, and salients in Santa Catarina. The beaches exhibit different patterns of sediment removal as a function of the degree of beach curvature. In highly curved beaches, there is a well-developed shadow zone and a range of morphodynamic conditions, from a sheltered low-energy beach adjacent to the downdrift headland to a high-energy exposed beach on the straight end of the headland-bay beach. The less curved beaches instead, tend to show more uniform behaviour since they are directly exposed to incident waves. There is no obvious relationship between average wave height and mean grain size, showing the importance of sediment source to characterize the sedimentary distribution patterns in the study area. The analysis of beaches showed that beach morphodynamics and sequence profiles for a bay-headland coast in a microtidal east coast environment is a function of geological inheritance (e.g., distance between headlands and orientation, nearshore and inner shelf morphology, coastal plain morphology, and sediment source), and hydrodynamic factors (wave conditions, oceanic wave exposure and relative tidal range). (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Petroleum contamination impact on macrobenthic communities under the influence of an oil refinery: Integrating chemical and biological multivariate data

Petroleum contamination impact on macrobenthic communities in the northeast portion of Todos os Santos Bay was assessed combining in multivariate analyses, chemical parameters such as aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon indices and concentration ratios with benthic ecological parameters. Sediment samples were taken in August 2000 with a 0.05 m(2) van Veen grab at 28 sampling locations. The predominance of n-alkanes with more than 24 carbons, together with CPI values close to one, and the fact that most of the stations showed UCM/resolved aliphatic hydrocarbons ratios (UCM:R) higher than two, indicated a high degree of anthropogenic contribution, the presence of terrestrial plant detritus, petroleum products and evidence of chronic oil pollution. The indices used to determine the origin of PAH indicated the occurrence of a petrogenic contribution. A pyrolytic contribution constituted mainly by fossil fuel combustion derived PAH was also observed. The results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis performed with chemical data and benthic ecological descriptors demonstrated that not only total PAH concentrations but also specific concentration ratios or indices such as >= C24:< C24, An/178 and Fl/Fl + Py, are determining the structure of benthic communities within the study area. According to the BIO-ENV results petroleum related variables seemed to have a main influence on macrofauna community structure. The PCA ordination performed with the chemical data resulted in the formation of three groups of stations. The decrease in macrofauna density, number of species and diversity from groups III to I seemed to be related to the occurrence of high aliphatic hydrocarbon and PAH concentrations associated with fine sediments. Our results showed that macrobenthic communities in the northeast portion of Todos os Santos Bay are subjected to the impact of chronic oil pollution as was reflected by the reduction in the number of species and diversity. These results emphasise the importance to combine in multivariate approaches not only total hydrocarbon concentrations but also indices, isomer pair ratios and specific compound concentrations with biological data to improve the assessment of anthropogenic impact on marine ecosystems. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Environmental effects in kelvin force microscopy of modified diamond surfaces

We have explored the effects of atmospheric environment on Kelvin force microscopy (KFM) measurements of potential difference between different regions of test polycrystalline diamond surfaces. The diamond films were deposited by microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition, which naturally produces hydrogen terminations on the surface of the films formed. Selected regions were patterned by electron-beam lithography and chemical terminations of oxygen or fluorine were created by exposure to an oxygen or fluorine plasma source. For KFM imaging, the samples were mounted in a hood with a constant flow of helium gas. Successive images were taken over a 5-h period showing the effect of the environment on KFM imaging. We conclude that the helium flow removes water molecules adsorbed on the surface of the samples, resulting in differences in surface potential between adjacent regions. The degree of water removal is different for surfaces with different terminations. The results highlight the importance of taking into account the atmospheric environment when carrying out KFM analysis. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of pulse repetition rate and number of pulses in the analysis of polypropylene and high density polyethylene by nanosecond infrared laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Pulse repetition rates and the number of laser pulses are among the most important parameters that do affect the analysis of solid materials by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, and the knowledge of their effects is of fundamental importance for suggesting analytical strategies when dealing with laser ablation processes of polymers. In this contribution, the influence of these parameters in the ablated mass and in the features of craters was evaluated in polypropylene and high density polyethylene plates containing pigment-based PbCrO4. Surface characterization and craters profile were carried out by perfilometry and scanning electron microscopy. Area, volume and profile of craters were obtained using Taylor Map software. A laser induced breakdown spectroscopy system consisted of a Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, 5 ns) and an Echelle spectrometer equipped with ICCD detector were used. The evaluated operating conditions consisted of 10, 25 and 50 laser pulses at 1, 5 and 10 Hz, 250 mJ/pulse (85 J cm(-2)), 2 mu s delay time and 6 mu s integration time gate. Differences in the topographical features among craters of both polymers were observed. The decrease in the repetition rate resulted in irregular craters and formation of edges, especially in polypropylene sample. The differences in the topographical features and ablated masses were attributed to the influence of the degree of crystallinity, crystalline melting temperature and glass transition temperature in the ablation process of the high density polyethylene and polypropylene. It was also observed that the intensities of chromium and lead emission signals obtained at 10 Hz were two times higher than at 5 Hz by keeping the number of laser pulses constant. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

Abundance and Genetic Diversity of nifH Gene Sequences in Anthropogenically Affected Brazilian Mangrove Sediments

Although mangroves represent ecosystems of global importance, the genetic diversity and abundance of functional genes that are key to their functioning scarcely have been explored. Here, we present a survey based on the nifH gene across transects of sediments of two mangrove systems located along the coast line of Sao Paulo state (Brazil) which differed by degree of disturbance, i.e., an oil-spill-affected and an unaffected mangrove. The diazotrophic communities were assessed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and clone libraries. The nifH gene abundance was similar across the two mangrove sediment systems, as evidenced by qPCR. However, the nifH-based PCR-DGGE profiles revealed clear differences between the mangroves. Moreover, shifts in the nifH gene diversities were noted along the land-sea transect within the previously oiled mangrove. The nifH gene diversity depicted the presence of nitrogen-fixing bacteria affiliated with a wide range of taxa, encompassing members of the Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Firmicutes, and also a group of anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria. We also detected a unique mangrove-specific cluster of sequences denoted Mgv-nifH. Our results indicate that nitrogen-fixing bacterial guilds can be partially endemic to mangroves, and these communities are modulated by oil contamination, which has important implications for conservation strategies.

Photodynamic Efficiency of Cationic meso-Porphyrins at Lipid Bilayers: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Porphyrin derivatives have applications as photoactive drugs in photodynamic therapy. However, little is known about their interactions with phospholipid membranes at the molecular level. We employed molecular dynamics simulations to model the binding between a series of cationic meso-(N-methyl-4-pyridinium)phenylporphyrins and anionic phosphatidylglycerol lipid bilayers. This was done in the presence of molecular oxygen within the membrane. The ability of various porphyrins to cause photodamage was quantified in terms of their immersion depth and degree of exposition to a higher oxygen concentration inside the membrane. Simulations showed that the photodynamic efficiency could be improved as the number of hydrophobic phenyl substituents attached to the porphyrinic ring increased. In the specific case of porphyrins containing two hydrophobic and two charged substituents, the cis isomer was significantly more efficient than the trans. These results correlate well with previous experimental observations. They highlight the importance of both the total charge and amphiphilicity of the photosensitizer for its performance in photodynamic therapy.

Three-feature model to reproduce the topology of citation networks and the effects from authors' visibility on their h-index

Various factors are believed to govern the selection of references in citation networks, but a precise, quantitative determination of their importance has remained elusive. In this paper, we show that three factors can account for the referencing pattern of citation networks for two topics, namely "graphenes" and "complex networks", thus allowing one to reproduce the topological features of the networks built with papers being the nodes and the edges established by citations. The most relevant factor was content similarity, while the other two - in-degree (i.e. citation counts) and age of publication - had varying importance depending on the topic studied. This dependence indicates that additional factors could play a role. Indeed, by intuition one should expect the reputation (or visibility) of authors and/or institutions to affect the referencing pattern, and this is only indirectly considered via the in-degree that should correlate with such reputation. Because information on reputation is not readily available, we simulated its effect on artificial citation networks considering two communities with distinct fitness (visibility) parameters. One community was assumed to have twice the fitness value of the other, which amounts to a double probability for a paper being cited. While the h-index for authors in the community with larger fitness evolved with time with slightly higher values than for the control network (no fitness considered), a drastic effect was noted for the community with smaller fitness. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.